Europe group posting on GLOBOsapiens

Train from Leipzig to Amsterdam

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cocoyasha Joined: Mar 07 Points: 4 Posts: 1 Posted: 2007-03-02 22:02:00    Hello. I just found out that I have the possibility of going to Germany in the next three weeks or so, and I've had a fixation with Amsterdam for the last month or two. So, since my chances going anywhere close to that area again in the next... Well, probably about 7 years? are very slim, I was curious if there where any convenient and cheap travel methods to get from Leipzig, where we'll be staying, and Amsterdam. I was hoping to just do a one day thing of getting there early in the morning, walking around for the day and then heading back at night. I was hoping for a train ride type experience, and I for sure can't drive or fly there due to cost and issues with the rental car. If anyone can give me sugestions, or tell me that this is impossible and why, it would be much appreciated! Please and thank you. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact cocoyasha   rangutan Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 34752 Posts: 1044 Posted: 2007-03-03 10:47:00    By bus: www.servicepoint-leipzig.de/reisen/busreisen.php shows only 4 day trips to Amsterdam direct from Leipzig but enter “Berlin” (only 2 hours away from Leipzig) gives a tour every Friday late afternoon to Sunday late evening from €94 (€113 single persons) which includes the return journey, blitz trip, group prices for a programme of special highlights and a hotel room for Saturday night. One need not stay with the group, can explore on ones own. Hot! See www.berlinlinienbus.de and specially www.berlinlinienbus.de/pdfs/ams.pdf which gives “no frills” bus fares to Amsterdam at €58 return. To get to Berlin use a “DB” rail-ticket for hourly connections from Leipzig to Berlin for around €30 each way by rail or as little as €10 by bus. Some syncronisation and planning is required but this is the best. These inter-city tour buses in Germany are very comfortable, quite luxurious. Most the way will be autobahn cruising! If you ask when you are in Leipzig I am sure you will find many more offers and options. Ask at the "Bahnhof", "Rathaus" or a "Reisebüro". This is your best option. By train: www.db.de/site/bahn/en/start.html (use the grey field) There are no direct connections. Travel will be anything from 7 hours (1 stop) to 14 hours (6 stops). The standard return fare is €259 but early reservation deals may quote half of that. There are specials for students and others. If one does not ask twice at ticket purchase one will always be charged the maximum fee! See also the specials for individual states, often helps to reduce the fares of a longer journey: www.bahn.de/p/view/international/englisch/travelservice/laender_tickets.shtml By air: I use www.billigflieger.de to compare European fares. Leipzig has very few international connections (only 5 today) so rather use an airport of nearby Berlin. Note: the "cheap-airline" aircraft return to their hub after only 1-3 hours stop at a destination so when getting a good airfare at least one night is required for the destination! A quick search showed these two dayly (Amsterdam hubbed) offers: For €108 return Tax incl. BER 21:40 - AMS 22:55 Uhr AMS 19:45 - BER 21:00 Uhr At www.ebookers.com For €113 return Tax incl. BER 21:40 - AMS 22:55 Uhr AMS 19:45 - BER 21:00 Uhr At “Transavia Avigo” These prices include all taxes and fees. The flight fare is about €25 and the rest is normal additional airport or commission fees, taxes, insurance and others! Reserve early to get the best deals. Availability is better on Tuesday to Thursdays are often cheaper. Enjoy your trip, hope you can upload some pictures for us. R’Rudi [ This Message was edited by: rangutan on 2007-03-03 12:09 ] --- Rudolf "Rangutan" Graspointner Reply    Reply with quote    Contact rangutan